v.
Pronunciation: sh ə d, ' shu ̇ d
Function: verbal auxiliary
past of shall
Etymology: Middle English sholde, from Old English sceolde owed, was obliged to, ought to
Date: before 12th century
1 ― used in auxiliary function to express condition <if he should leave his father, his father would die ― Gen 44:22(RSV)>
2 ― used in auxiliary function to express obligation, propriety, or expediency <'tis commanded I should do so ― Shakespeare> <this is as it should be ― H. L. Savage> <you should brush your teeth after each meal>
3 ― used in auxiliary function to express futurity from a point of view in the past <realized that she should have to do most of her farm work before sunrise ― Ellen Glasgow>
4 ― used in auxiliary function to express what is probable or expected <with an early start, they should be here by noon>
5 ― used in auxiliary function to express a request in a polite manner or to soften direct statement <I should suggest that a guide ⋯ is the first essential ― L. D. Reddick>